NFL Week 17 2022: Picks and predictions for every game
It’s time for the NFL Week 17 picks, and there are some incredibly important games to watch for the AFC and NFC playoff pictures.
Matchup
Dallas Cowboys
11-4
Tennessee Titans
7-8
Thursday, Dec. 29
8:20 p.m. ET
The Titans have no quarterback and no motivation. Could be a blowout for the Cowboys.
Pick: Dallas 27, Tennessee 6
Matchup
Arizona Cardinals
4-11
Atlanta Falcons
5-10
If you’re considering watching this game, know you have hit rock bottom, then driven down about 50 meters, and slammed into the core of the earth.
Pick: Atlanta 20, Arizona 17
Matchup
Carolina Panthers
6-9
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
7-8
This is somehow for the NFC South title. If the Bucs win, they’re in. If Carolina wins, then it has a Week 18 showdown with the Saints to earn a playoff berth.
Pick: Tampa Bay 19, Carolina 17
Matchup
Chicago Bears
3-12
Detroit Lions
7-8
Detroit needs to win out and get some help. It starts with beating the Bears in their home finale. Chicago always fights, but the Lions are better.
Pick: Detroit 34, Chicago 27
Matchup
Cleveland Browns
6-9
Washington Commanders
7-7-1
Carson Wentz is back as the starter, which is nothing but terrific news for the Browns. Washington was a mess with Wentz. Still, this is Cleveland, and Deshaun Watson has been awful.
Pick: Washington 23, Cleveland 20
Matchup
Denver Broncos
4-11
Kansas City Chiefs
12-3
This feels like a game where Denver barely tries, because the fight has been completely taken out of it. Meanwhile, the Chiefs are trying for the AFC’s top seed.
Pick: Kansas City 38, Denver 13
Matchup
Indianapolis Colts
4-10-1
New York Giants
8-6-1
The Giants clinch a playoff spot right here. The Colts aren’t beating anybody, let alone a postseason contender, with Nick Foles.
Pick: New York 17, Indianapolis 15
Matchup
Jacksonville Jaguars
7-8
Houston Texans
2-12-1
Houston beat the Jaguars earlier this year, but don’t expect a repeat. Jacksonville is playing its best ball at the right time.
Pick: Jacksonville 30, Houston 20
Matchup
Miami Dolphins
8-7
New England Patriots
7-8
Miami is in complete freefall at the moment. The Patriots can’t score, but this feels like a game where New England gets a pick-six to put it over.
Pick: New England 22, Miami 17
Matchup
New Orleans Saints
6-9
Philadelphia Eagles
13-2
The Eagles aren’t going to mess around. They’ll clinch home-field advantage and give themselves a Week 18 bye.
Pick: Philadelphia 33, New Orleans 20